#i PUBLIC ART POSTER CAMPAIGN

#I focuses on young people living in Johannesburg, from 15 to 23 years of age. This generation did not grow up under apartheid, and have the ability to access and communicate using technologies that integrate them within a larger global community. Having different historical experiences than those of their parents, they have their own visions and expectations of themselves and of South Africa.

In this campaign, I collaborated over a period of two years, starting in 2016, with a wide range of 45 young people from Johannesburg – from different cultures, income groups and areas – to produce a portraiture project that expresses young people’s visions of themselves and their country. These visions are expressed in the words of the young people, their own photographs from their phones, and the portraits I photographed of each individual.

I have taken on this project because I believe that young people can lead our future with new, fresh narratives. For example, the older generation’s lived experience is during apartheid in South Africa and – through extensive interviews with the young people on this project – the words echoed were for fresh new conversations, new ways of being, of living their lives and creating their own stories.

Another aspect to the project is that it is collaborative on many levels. I connected one participant to an editor at Caxton Newspapers for an internship in Eldorado Park. In exchange for looking for participants, I gave a talk and slideshow at Rosebank College in Braamfontein to journalism and media study students regarding my career and projects. A student from Rosebank College will complete her internship with me during June, the month the project launches. I have kept all the participants informed of developments throughout the two years via WhatsApp. They will all receive a poster of themselves and an artist proof print of their artwork.

With the forthcoming national election in 2019, this exhibition is a portrait of a generation that will play leading roles in a pivotal moment in South African history. The public art component of the work – where members of the public may select a poster to away with them – creates a future life of the artwork.

Mission Statement

The Association of Academic Museums and Galleries is the leading educational and professional organization for academic museums, galleries, and collections. In recognition of the unique opportunities and challenges of its constituents, the AAMG establishes and supports best practices, educational activities and professional development that enable its member organizations to fulfill their educational missions.